Graham: ‘Say Yes To Simpson-Bowles, Mr. President’

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that Democrats and Republicans should agree to a framework for raising revenue that follows the recommendations of the Simpson-Bowles commission in order to bypass the fiscal cliff, during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday.

“Say yes to Simpson-Bowles, Mr. President. I’m willing to say yes to Simpson-Bowles,” Graham said. Graham said Washington needs more revenue, but that the revenue should come from closing tax loopholes and deductions for the rich, not from raising tax rates. “Mr. President, if you will say yes to Simpson-Bowles when it comes to revenue, so will I and so will most Republicans. We can get revenue without destroying jobs,” Graham said.

Graham added that Republicans will insist on reforming entitlements as part of any deal. “We will insist our Democratic friends reform entitlements — something we’ve never done and that’s where the big money’s at,” he said.